July 2019 (Issue 460)
Fun In The Otways Forest - Queen’s Birthday Long Weekend 1995
Follow us on our webpage: http://subaru4wdvic.com.au/ Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/subaru4wdvic/ Connect with Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/subaru4wdclub_victoria/
Subaru 4WD Club of Victoria Inc. Reg. No. A—0006149J / FWDV Member
PO BOX 2456 Mount Waverley VIC 3149
Volks-Baru Subaru and Volkswagen Specialist Parts and Service Centre
We will smooth out your motoring costs with extremely competitive prices, offering trade discounts to all Subaru 4WD Club of Victoria members on all parts and repairs.
John Bailey 1362 Heatherton Rd Dandenong North 3175 Phone: (03) 9793 5655 2
ABOUT THE CLUB The Subaru 4WD Club of Victoria Inc. was originally formed over 40 years ago by an enthusiastic group of Subaru owners. Today the club has expanded to include all Subaru 4WD and AWD vehicles, as well as all other makes of AWD, light 4WD and crossover/soft-roader type vehicles. The club aims to participate in the exploration of the Australian countryside without damage to the environment, vehicle or individual. Visitors are most welcome to attend the club’s General Meetings and contact committee members regarding participation in club activities.
The club relies on membership fees to offset its running costs, including insurance. Membership fees are payable each year, due on 31 May. Fees for the 2019/20 year were ratified at the general meeting in April 2019 and are as follows:
MEMBERS RATES
Single: $85 (Senior card - $80) Joint/Family: $95 (Senior card - $90) One off joining fee of $15 ($30 for Joint/Family) also applies All annual fees include FWDV affiliation and trip insurance: $52 These fees are based on an electronic newsletter distribution only. No levy or discount to be offered. Requests for a hard copy magazine will be considered by the Committee.
NON-MEMBER TRIP FEE
A trip fee of $15 per adult non-member applies (for insurance purposes) Please contact the membership officer for further enquiries
3
COMMITTEE President: Mark Tyssen president@subaru4wdvic.com.au
Vice President and FWDV Delegate: Tim Folliard vice-president@subaru4wdvic.com.au
Secretary: Martin Foot secretary@subaru4wdvic.com.au
Treasurer: Angela Bombardieri treasurer@subaru4wdvic.com.au
Trip & Social: Tim Folliard events@subaru4wdvic.com.au
Editor: Damian Stock editor@subaru4wdvic.com.au
Venue coordinator: Mark Tyssen venue@subaru4wdvic.com.au
Membership: Martin Foot mship@subaru4wdvic.com.au
Resources: Peter Landouris (OM) resources@subaru4wdvic.com.au
4
PRESIDENT’S REPORT Over the last few weeks there has been much in the media reminding us of what happened 50 years ago, when man first walked on the moon, giving rise to the memorable phrase “one small step for a man, one giant leap for mankind”. In 1962, U.S. President John F. Kennedy set a challenge to his country’s people to “aim high” in order to achieve this goal. The pathway to success spawned great advancements in electronics and materials, thanks to the endless government resources thrown into achieving this goal. Around the same time (or maybe a little earlier) the Subaru automotive division was formed and, in order to release its initial model, the iconic Subaru 360, it needed to adhere to a number of Japanese design regulations, including one regarding engine capacity. In order to attract the lowest level of tax, to be applied to the vehicle, the initial engine size was kept to 346cc, to fit into the “Under 360cc” category. As Japan was importing fuel at the time, the Japanese Government provided incentives for local manufacturers to develop vehicles that were as fuel efficient at possible, and as least polluting as possible. The Subaru 360 certainly achieved that. Over the decades, both American and Australian manufacturers endeavoured to design fuel efficient cars depending on how much ‘hurt’ the buying public was feeling due to the rising cost of fuel. Then, in the late 1980s through 1990s, and early 2000s here in Australia, the Government direction was a gradual reduction in import tariffs (import protection) to basically squash out the local producers, both here and in the USA. Japanese designed vehicles have tended to remain more fuel efficient than their American, and Australian, designed counterparts over that whole time. Policy provides direction and incentive to any organisation. How we respond to it, or take up a challenge, is what is the spirit of the people in that organisation or, in our case, a club. At the beginning of my term as President, my team had many tasks ahead of them. The major item of rebuilding the Club was and still is a major focus. We sought and enlisted the assistance of the people that matter the most, our existing members, and approached new members as they joined, to tap into what attracted them to us. We created a budget, opened up channels of communication to entice new members, expanded our use of the internet with Facebook etc., monitoring and then responding, in a timely manner, to enquiries. Through those media, a number of new members have joined and we welcome them into our ranks as they are the future of our club. We took a calculated risk and restructured our membership fees, which was a budget challenge in itself, in order to increase our member base and to reward our existing members for their continued patronage. At the same time we took on four bylaws tasks that had already been worked on by previous committees. I congratulate the team on their progress on these tasks, two of which are close to completion, hopefully in next two months. This could not have been achieved without the involvement and consultation with members. Stick to the tracks, Mark Tyssen President, e: president@subaru4wdvic.com.au 5
TREASURER’S REPORT JULY 2019 Debit
Credit
Opening Balance at 18 June 2019 Income: Membership fees (various) * Resources – Sale of Club clothing Total Income for month
Balance $4,163.66
$ 250.00 $ 41.20 $ 291.20 $4,454.86
Expenses: Printing 29/1 to 20/5/19 Postage Membership Fees to FWDV Optus Sat. phone mthly service fee (Apr/May 2019) Total Expenses for month Closing Balance at 21 July 2019
$ 26.80 $ 25.98 $ 936.00 $ 15.00 $1,003.78 $3,451.08
NOTES: 1. Term Deposit of $8,076.12 (this includes interest accrued) matures on 10 October 2019 2. Overpaid membership fees to be refunded $90 Angela Bombardieri Treasurer, e: treasurer@subaru4wdvic.com.au
EDITOR’S NOTE I hope you enjoy the trip report from the past in this issue. This time it is David Wilson who gets a mention, or two, during the 1995 Queen’s Birthday long weekend trip to the Otways. It was fun dictating the report into my Apple phone and then cleaning up the result. If you would like to contribute your own article, such as telling everyone about your favourite drive, just get your material to me by the deadline, or as close to it as possible. Thanks again to those who have contributed to this month’s magazine. Damian Stock The deadline for submissions for the next edition is:
Friday, August 16th, 2019 Email editor: editor@subaru4wdvic.com.au 6
VENUE REPORT JULY GENERAL MEETING DATE: Tuesday, July 30th at 8pm VENUE: South Camberwell Tennis Club, 332 Burke Road, Glen Iris. DOOR PRIZE: Come along to win a special door prize at this month's meeting. PRESENTATION: We will be showing a very old video of a Simpson Desert crossing, courtesy of one of our early club members, Murray Gartner. Come along to see what challenges were faced by these intrepid travellers. Mark Tyssen Venue Coordinator
GENERAL MEETING NOTICE Welcome of members and visitors. Review and acceptance of previous general meeting’s minutes. Correspondence. Reports by various office bearers. Other business as mentioned below. General business raised by members. “Fines and Fun” – including brief summaries of recent trips. Guest speaker or presentation. Supper and networking. Details of the next few general meetings are as per the schedule below:
WHAT’S IN THE PIPELINE! Date
Location
Guest Speaker/Presentation
Other Business
Tues 30 July Tues 27 August
South Camberwell Tennis Club South Camberwell Tennis Club
1970s Simpson Desert Crossing Video TBA
Fees (overdue) for 19/20! Annual General Meeting
Tues 24 September
South Camberwell Tennis Club
TBA
TBA
Tues 29 October
South Camberwell Tennis Club
TBA
TBA
7
TRIP AND SOCIAL To put your name down for these trips or events you do not need to wait for a club meeting. Email: events@subaru4wdvic.com.au or contact the trip leader directly. Mount Disappointment Hume and Hovel thought they would be able to see Port Phillip Bay from the summit, but couldn’t, hence the name. Track closures will prevent driving to the summit but there is a walk to the top. When: Sunday 18th August 2019 Location: Wallan to Strath Creek Contact: Tim Folliard, e: events@subaru4wdvic.com.au Details: Meet at Pretty Sally Bakery 84-86 High St, Wallan, approximately 60 km north of Melbourne. 9 AM coffee for a 9.30 departure. Finish time 4PM Standard: If wet, medium due to slippery surfaces. Have run this trip before and it was suitable for standard Subaru vehicles. There is a very difficult section, (the Ladder if you want to google) which is heavily rutted with serious side slopes, for experienced drivers and well equipped vehicles. The rest of us will bypass this. Fuel: Round trip is 100 km Bring recovery gear and max tracks if you have them. Lunch at a picnic area. Wet weather foot wear Short walk with steps to falls. Some low range climbs and descents. Snow trip When: Late August (TBA) Location: Mawson, Walhalla, Woods Point area Contact: Peter Landouris, e: resources@subaru4wdvic.com.au Details: Members to contact Peter, to register their interest, and will be contacted when weather forecasts indicate favourable conditions. This could be at short notice.
8
TRIP AND SOCIAL CONT. Cup Day long weekend trip When: Saturday - Tuesday, November 2nd - 5th Location: Jamieson / Woods Point Contact: Peter Landouris, e: resources@subaru4wdvic.com.au Details: Available closer to the date of this re-scheduled trip Club Christmas Party BBQ When: Last Sunday in November. Details: Available closer to the date. The committee is always looking for trip leaders and trip ideas. While a number of tracks are now closed until November, there are still plenty of options for day trips close to Melbourne. If you want to lead a trip, please contact me for support. Tim Folliard, Trip & Social Coordinator e: events@subaru4wdvic.com.au m: 0407 347 066
LONG TERM FUTURE PLANNING Year
Trip
2019-2021
The Committee is considering the suggestions made by members at the September General Meeting and is also open to further proposals for 2019 and beyond. Please contact Tim Folliard to discuss any suggestions, even if you would not be the Trip Leader.
9
VICE-PRESIDENT’S REPORT Weighty Issues Not much to report from 4WDVic this month so I thought I might try a more technical article. Read this as a summarised guide only. Do your own research as required but don’t just accept the car or caravan dealers glossy guides as the whole story. How many of us load all the gear for a trip away and drive off. We might add a little extra air in the tyres for the load but do we really know what the load weighs. It can't really be that much, can it be? A new Forester weighs in at around 1550 kg empty. Fully loaded the gross vehicle mass (GVM) is 2225 kg so there is a respectable load of 675 kg. Set up with a tow bar and aluminium bull bar and bash plate (60 kg), fuel (40 @0.75 kg/ litre), fridge with extra battery, water, food, additional fuel (100), 2 passengers (170) and luggage (40), tools and recovery gear (20) and camping and sleeping gear (30), it all adds up but there still is reasonable margin. The Forester can also tow up to 1500 kg with trailer brakes. But it is not that simple. Assuming 10% tow ball weight (150 kg) to be added to the GVM, the GVM is now getting close to the limit. And that assumes you haven’t exceeded the gross combination weight (GCM which is usually less than the GVM plus trailer weight combined and hard to find for the Subaru). However compared to a Land Cruiser 200, the Forester rates well. Yes the Cruiser can seat 8 and tow up to 3500kgs but the load capacity isn't more than the Forester. (Despite an almost 30% increase in vehicle weight the load capacity is virtually unchanged from the wagon 40 years ago). And towing the maximum weight, the GVM falls by a massive 350kg. Full of diesel which is heavier than petrol, there is another 100+ kgs. And you still need to keep under the 6850 kg GCM. Some of the popular dual cab utes, when towing at the legal maximum can barely carry 2 passengers before reaching the GCM limit. You can tow 3.5 tonne, you can carry 1 tonne but not both at the same time.
10
VICE-PRESIDENT’S REPORT CONT. Going overload won’t cause the wheels to fall off or the vehicle to sit on the bump stops and weighbridge enforcement tends to target heavy trucks, but be in a major crash and there could be legal or insurance issues. Driving on corrugated dirt roads will add stress to already hard working mechanical components as well. Tim Folliard Vice President, e: vice-president@subaru4wdvic.com.au
ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING NOTICE Notice is hereby given to members that the Annual General Meeting of the Subaru 4WD Club of Victoria Inc., will be held on Tuesday, August 27th, 2019 at the South Camberwell Tennis Club rooms, 322 Burke Road, Glen Iris, commencing after the finish of the August 2019 General meeting. Order of business will include: Confirmation of the minutes of the 2018 Annual General Meeting. Presentation of the 2019 Annual report. Presentation of 2019 Annual financial statement. General business. Election of officers of the club and ordinary members of the committee. Nominations for committee positions should be submitted to the club secretary by no later than 7 days prior to the Annual General Meeting. However, on the day, nominations for committee positions will be accepted from the floor of the meeting. Special Resolutions: If a member wishes to bring an item of business to the Annual General Meeting that requires a special resolution, 21 days written notice of the special resolution must be given to all club members. 11
TECH TORQUE Dual Battery System For A Subie by Martin Foot So, you want to go camping in your 4WD and take a fridge, to keep the beverages cold, or maybe a fridge/freezer, so you can take some pre-cooked meals. How are you going to power it? Are you going to be on the move, day by day, or in camp, doing day trips? Should you get a second battery? What are the options? I’ve thought about this and tried various approaches over recent years. In 2017, Dot and I drove to Broome, WA, in our 2010 Forester XSP, camping along the way. We planned to carry frozen meals in our Engel combo fridge/freezer. So, I bought an 80AHr deep cycle battery and a “smart” isolator that could sense voltage, so it would cut out automatically if the main battery was getting low. This meant there could be a permanent connection (not switched on and off by the ignition). With trade advice, I put it together myself, using Original battery isolator thick cable (2-AWG) to connect the alternator to the secondary battery in the rear footwell. This meant that when driving, the secondary battery would re-charge relatively quickly, yet without danger of circuits overheating. All the wiring was protected by 150A contact breakers (re-settable fuses) in case of short circuit and joined by 120A Anderson connectors. It went pretty well, more so with a portable solar panel to help while in camp. But we found that the secondary battery did not fully charge by this “direct connection” method and so the capacity of the battery and hence the power for the fridge was compromised.
Original circuit breaker
Looking into the theory of all this led to the understanding that batteries need to be charged at a higher voltage than 12V (the amount varies by type of battery – ours were socalled absorbent glass matt (AGM)). Then to get the last 20% of charge on the battery requires a multi-stage battery charger, in this case a DC to DC charger (ie, not just relying on the alternator voltage). This kind of charger boosts alternator voltage as required through a number of stages of charging to achieve the best result. So, here we are in 2019, now in a 2015 Forester Diesel, planning for yet another long touring trip to the Centre this time. I’ve built the new dual battery system around a 12
TECH TORQUE CONT. Projecta IDC25 DC to DC charger. As specified, we have used 6AWG cable for the supply from the main battery. To protect against short circuits, I have fitted 50A fuses to both the input and the output cables. Once again, the battery is in the rear footwell, fed by a line from the alternator, connection by 50A Anderson plugs. This time though, we need a safe place for the charger as well, protected from physical impact and with enough air circulation to stay cool in operation. It needs to be as close to the secondary battery as possible. I bought a lightweight shelving system from eBay, small enough to fit into the footwell, with the battery (in its case) on the floor underneath and the charger on a shelf above it. Finally another shelf above this keeps random items from being placed directly on top of the charger and causing it to overheat. We are yet to fully test this system and time will tell! But the new factor we have to consider is that in their wisdom, Subaru along with other car manufacturers seeking improved fuel economy have chosen to fit modern cars with “smart” alternators. This means that while they start by producing a high voltage (say 14.4V) at startup, they soon switch back to a lower voltage around 12.2V, unless they sense a higher than normal DC to DC charger setup current demand (such as when headlights are on). The sensor is at the earth terminal of the battery, which makes it imperative that any additional loading (such as the charger) is earthed to the body of the car and not directly to the battery terminal. In that way, the load will be recognized and the alternator which then hopefully steps up its output. That’s the theory, anyway. We will be monitoring the voltage levels regularly to be sure we’re getting the charge we need to the secondary battery. Otherwise, we’ll have to resort to solar or even 240v supply! And that would seriously cramp our style. Wish us luck, Martin and Dot 13
OLD TRIP REPORTS Queen’s Birthday Weekend 1995—Turramurra Cottages, The Otways By Frank Chia The honour role for the intrepid crew were Mark and Gail and Matthew, Bob and Ruth, Geoff and Evelyn, Dave, Lynette, Frank and Bee, Ross and Ian and Robert, Ian and Julie and ?, Richard (Dickey), Grant and Dave, Brett and Donna, Andrew and Rachel and Christine and Naomi and Philip. Now that you’re all flabbergasted at my amazing memory (I am as well) we will now regale you of the gory details for the weekend. Friday night saw most of the motley adventurers (I did not know that this at the time, being quite innocent of the shenanigans that the Suby four-wheel-drive club was quite proficient at) turn up, except for some aberrant Magpie supporters. At about 7PM, when you could hardly see far enough to blow your nose, our august leader (Mark ?) decided with some other demented souls to go find some interesting, come boogie, tracks for the Saturday. Unfortunately they returned at about 9PM relatively unscathed, with tales of jolly fireside stories about hanging over precipitous cliffs and the like (yawned). Saturday saw us happily, may I say innocently, decide to follow Mark and Gail and Matthew on a forest trail, or two. Ian Kitchen and co had other ideas (he wanted to see what John West gave away, but decided that watching whales at Warrnambool would suffice). Anyway I digress. So off we went, as lambs to be crutched, and wandered over Norman’s and Wickham‘s tracks. I was tested on the first incline we came across (my excuses are inexperience, street tyres, and bodgy tracks - why go by halves?) and promptly became stuck (Unstuck didn’t seem quite descriptive of my predicament). With some cogent advice from Geoff, Dave and a cast of thousands, I learned my first mud hill climbing lesson i.e. put the bloody foot down and go hell for bloody leather and don’t bloody stop! If you thought I had problems, spare a thought for Ross and Ian (of baby fat frame - ask Ruth for further explanations!) and Robert (of the gammy leg) who had street “illegal” tyres. Ross and co must’ve made history on the day with the sheer numbers of snatch outs, pushes and shoves, etc. He also stuffed up a tyre just to be sure he held and kept the record. Anyway, he helped restrain Dickey, though I heard it rumoured that Dickey got into some strife himself and had to have his truck towed out by a Suby (remember the pen rules the sword, and I’m allowed some poetic and artistic license). Oh.. Lynette got bogged and had to be snatched out as well, which was quite gratifying for those of us with street tyres. Sunday started off bright and chirpy and Ian Kitchen decided to join us on what was touted to be a tourist drive. Has Ian been long in the club? He would seem to be rather gullible, believing that Gail and Mark and Mathew would rather tour than find the meanest looking bogey hole! Anyway, we traipsed across to Dunce’s track, and I leave to your imagination 14
OLD TRIP REPORTS CONT. what that implied of the mob that wandered innocently following our august leader. By the way, Ross and Ian (of baby fat frame) and Robert (of the gammy leg) decided that prudence was the better part of valour, as did Brett and Donna. Then again Brett and Donna may have had more interesting matters to concern themselves with, details of which may not be appropriate in a family publication. What was memorable out of this day was that Dave and Ian had to be snatched out! Made us folks with street legal tyres inordinately pleased with ourselves. We eventually ended up in Apollo Bay where some great fish and chips were to be had. We then split up between those interested in doing the tourist thing and having a bo-peep at Erskine falls, and those seeking even greater challenges to conquer and bog into. Suffice to say I was not in the latter, and cannot provide any great meaningful insights into this. Then again rumour has it that the locals heard of Mark and his merry cohorts and had gone about closing every available track in the Otways. That night was Dickey’s 25th, quarter century, Silver Jubilee, birthday. A Black Forest cake of unimaginable magnitude, proportion and grandeur was prepared, and Dickey promptly blew out all the candles, bar one, with a blown up balloon. Thank God it wasn’t his blown up rubber doll, what would Matthew, Naomi, Christine and Philip have said (or gurgled?). Also of note were the bits of carrot and other thingies left behind somewhere by Grant, who, as we all know, is a red-blooded, genuine, teetotaler. Rumours of Grant being paralytic, are totally unfounded because we all saw him the very next day looking very elegant and salubrious in his jocks and shirt. Any resemblance to real people and real events is purely coincidental and fortuitous. The whole trip was rather quiet and genteel, and if you believe that you are even wetter and boggier behind the ears than am I. The last I saw of some of the merry folk was when I passed a gaggle of Subies ravaging a McDonald’s in Geelong. This trip report by Frank Chai (nominated by the trip later Mark).
15
TRIP ADVISER
TRIP
DATE
LEADER(S)
STANDARD
Mount Disappointment
August 18
Tim Folliard
Easy / Medium
Snow Trip
Late August
Peter Landouris
Medium
Cup Day long weekend trip
November 2—5
Peter Landouris
TBA
Strathfieldsaye Estate
TBA
Damian Stock
Social / Easy
Woodside North And Surrounding Forests
TBA
Damian Stock
Social / Easy
FOUR WHEEL DRIVE VICTORIA TRAINING CALENDAR FOR 2019 - UPCOMING PROFICIENCY COURSES: PC190803 - Theory: Tuesday 30 July, Practical: Saturday 3 August 2019 PC190907 - Theory: Tuesday 3 September, Practical: Saturday 7 September 2019 PC191026 - Theory: Friday 25 October, Practical: Saturday 26 October 2019 PC191123 - Theory: Tuesday 19 November, Practical: Saturday 23 November 2019 PC191207 - Theory: Tuesday 3 December, Practical: Saturday 7 December 2019 Member Price is $220.00 Contact:
Four Wheel Drive Victoria, RTO: 21605 Ph: 03 9874 7222, Web: www.fwdvictoria.org.au 16
MINUTES Committee Meeting Minutes (abridged) Minutes of the meeting of the committee of the Subaru 4WD Club of Victoria Inc. held on Monday, 2 July 2019 at the Chinese Association of Victoria clubrooms, 8 Ashley Street, (320 Wantirna Road), Wantirna, starting at 7.45pm approximately. Proceedings 1. Present: Mark Tyssen, Martin Foot, Tim Folliard, Angela Bombardieri, Peter Landouris 2. Apologies: Nil 3. Visitors: Nil. 4. Quorum: A quorum was achieved with 5 of 5 committee members present (section 63b). 5.0 Minutes of the Previous Meeting 5.1 Minutes of the committee meeting held 4 June 2019 were accepted without amendment. Moved Mark Tyssen, seconded by Angela Bombardieri. 5.2 Business Arising from the Minutes: There was no business arising from the Minutes. 6. Correspondence 6.1 In FWDV: Member Update Day 22/6 invitation and later cancellation National 4x4 Show discount / help for by Parks Vic in Bunyip SP David Crainean, Secretary – response to query re fee rises Mt. Skene Club permits 2019 / membership renewal reminder Acknowledgement of receipt of renewal documents from S4WDCV General: Various enquiries re membership 17
DELWP – invitation to meeting with Govt reps re Forest Agreements. ACTION: Mark to provide details to Tim Bendigo Bank – Statement available 6.2 Out: Optus Satellite – direct debit form S4WDCV members - renewal reminder for FWDV return S4WDCV members – GM meeting Notice, apology for late magazine S4WDCV members – June magazine New members (4) – welcome to the club David Crainean (FWDV Secretary) – re fee rises FWDV – membership listing FWDV - membership renewal documents 7. Reports 7.1 Resources Shirt sold at June Meeting. Stocktake will be needed as at 30 June. Limited stock – orders to be taken and placed with supplier 3 monthly. NB: Current styles may no longer be available. Sat phone now with Tim. 7.2 Trip and Social Snow Trip (late August) - in the Rawson, Walhalla, Woods Point area - Peter Landouris to investigate options. Members to place name on an attendance list, to be contacted when weather forecasts indicate favourable conditions. Weather not likely to be favourable at present. Social event in early July - MF advised not going ahead. To be rescheduled. Woods Point - Jamieson Trip. This trip has been rescheduled for the Cup Day long weekend or as advised by Peter. Tim will cover as TL if Peter is not available. Strathfieldsaye Homestead, Lake Wellington. Following Damian’s presentation at the June GM, a proposal for a standing camp based there and day trips, possibly in September, is expected. Could be combined with a visit to Holey Plains SP. More information required. Annual Christmas Party - date set for November 24th, possibly at Bundoora Park. 4WDs trips with Rick K or David W as TLs. Nothing specific at this stage. Cobaw State Forest trip. Tim to investigate. More social trips also needed in between the above. 7.3 Venue July General Meeting – videos, talk on standard recovery gear, possible demonstration in the carpark. ACTION: Tim and Mark 18
Martin and Angela apologies for the July GM. Discussion on alternative venues. David Wilson is open to hosting an event at Ringwood. Fulcrum Suspension of Pakenham have contacted clubs offering to host a session. ACTION: Mark to investigate. Food options to be investigated for AGM on 27 August. Door prizes – tyre deflators? Items needed to boost stocks [carried over] Possible future presentation at a meeting by Rudi Poeletti on the Walhallla district? Martin to enquire. 7.4 Membership Membership Applications: Nil. Several enquiries received. Current membership numbers: 19 7.5 Editor Submission deadline: 19 July. No new trip reports are expected in this edition. As an alternative, Tim suggested an article on towing as his V-P report. Martin considering an article on his preparations for his upcoming trip to the Centre with the Mynards. Distribution: Martin is unavailable to proof and distribute the magazine this month. In his absence, Mark will deputise, as he has MS Publisher. Martin will provide the email list to Mark. Persons who have indicated they are not renewing membership and others who have had no contact with the club since mid-2018 will not be included. Advertising: An invoice is yet to be raised for Volksbaru. The last issued and paid was in 2017. The year in between is to be written off. ACTION: Peter L (who is a customer) to raise with proprietor John Bailey and advise Angela. Martin yet to discuss advertising with Subaxtreme. Mark yet to investigate possible advertising with wreckers: Subaru Heaven, Subabits, SubaRoos Burwood. Social Media: Damian’s report on increased traffic on FB was noted. The improvement coincides with trip related slideshows, ex Peter L. 7.6 Treasurer Current balance: $3291.08 in operational account as at 2/7, plus cheque for $80 in-hand. Advertising: Angela to raise invoice(s) for any advertising confirmed. Annual Financial Statements: to be prepared according to the previous template. Recording of individual transactions is to be done from the monthly bank statement using an Excel spreadsheet built up throughout the financial year, showing monthly summaries broken down by category. No separate transaction ledger is required. Invoices and other transaction related documents to be filed together by category rather than by date. The spreadsheet will provide a means of indexing these documents. 7.7 Secretary Annual Report template received from P Bellis. Reports needed for Martin by the Committee Meeting 13 August. ACTION: Martin to distribute the 2018 report as an
19
advisory of what’s needed and to compile the Annual report for the AGM. Minutes for the July GM: In Martin’s absence, Mark will deputise and Tim will chair the meeting. 7.8 Vice-President No report. 7.9 President No report. 8 Priorities and Planning 8.1 By-Laws: Adoption under the Rules: Martin advised that the Rules stipulate that the Committee, rather than the members, adopt the By-Laws (Rule 79). Members may only amend or abolish them. Given that, he suggested the work on the Trip protocols be finalised and considered for adoption at the Committee Meeting on 13 August. Mark suggested that he could work in the meantime on the section relating to definition of roles and their responsibilities, based on previous discussions. The two parts could then be considered together. Martin provided Mark with his written notes of the earlier discussion. ACTION: Martin to send latest copy of Trip protocols to Tim. Membership Code of Conduct: No further progress on this part, so discussion deferred until Martin’s return. 9. General Business:
BUY IT AND SELL IT HERE Please note: If you have any items listed here for sale which are no longer available please remember to let us know at: editor@subaru4wdvic.com.au
Items for sale Item: Forester aluminium bash plates Details: Made from 6.0 mm construction grade aluminium SF Forester $350 SG & SH Forester $380 SJ Forester $420 CVT & Gearbox Protection $380 Outback & Diesel Vehicles $420 Fitting can be arranged. 10% discount for Subaru Club members. Please contact David via TXT after hours Road less Travelled - Vehicle under body protection E: dw@subaru4wdvic.com.au
20
MINUTES General Meeting Minutes The general meeting of the Subaru 4WD Club of Victoria Inc was held on Tuesday, 25 June 2019 at the South Camberwell Tennis Club starting at 8:23pm approximately. Before the start, slideshows of photos from past trips were shown, including the Border Track, High Country and Wombat / Lerderderg pre-trip. 1. Present Mark Tyssen, Martin Foot, Angela Bombardieri, Tim Folliard, Damian Stock, Peter and Katie Mynard, Nick and Deb Leask, Peter Kakalias, Des Burns 2. Apologies Peter and Jean Bellis, Des Lehmann, Julie Dyer, Angela Stock, Dot Greiveson, Peter Devine, Phil and Elaine Milkins, Les Ralph, David Wilson, Rick Koster, Kylie Davies 3. Visitors Michael Bauer. Michael has a 2019 Forester. 4. Welcome A welcome was extended to all members and visitors. 5. Minutes of the Previous General Meeting 5.1 The Minutes of the May 2019 General Meeting were accepted without amendment. Moved by Angela Bombardieri and seconded by Peter Mynard. 5.2 There was no Business Arising. 6. Correspondence 6.1 In Four Wheel Drive Victoria: Response from FWDV Secretary to rise in levy for 2019/20 Cancellation of Members Update day 4WD Show Members’ discounts Upcoming meeting at Royal Society of Victoria: “Future of our Forests” General: Membership enquiries Magazines from: Land Rover Car Club of Victoria (hard copy) Subaru 4WD Club of WA (via email link) Nissan 4x4 Club of Vic (via email link) 6.2 Out FWDV Secretary – Query re 2019/20 levy amount Responses to Membership enquiries 7. Reports 21
7.1 Resources No report, in the absence of Peter Landouris. Club Uniform. Samples on display at the meeting. Members requiring items not in stock to place orders. [1 beige shirt sold.] 7.2 Editor Magazine: Damian apologised for the delay in circulation this month, but this was unavoidable as certain regular reports were not available on time. Contributors to please adhere to the deadlines. Social media: Slideshows based on two recent trips have been placed on Facebook as movie files. There has been a good response to these. They could be placed on the website as well in due course, which has no recent material. Could Trip leaders and all participants on trips please send through photos, etc to the editor’s mailbox as a matter of course. Deadline: Friday, 19 July. Martin noted that he won’t be available to distribute the magazine in July, as he is unlikely to have Internet connection in remote areas. Damian offered to assist. 7.3 Trip and Social Snow Trip: Rawson, Walhalla, Woods Point area. Participants to register with TL Peter Landouris who will contact when weather conditions are favourable. Meal and Movie Night: Martin advised that this social event has been postponed indefinitely, due to preparations for their outback trip with the Mynards. Cup Day long weekend – Woods Point / Jamieson Trip. Mt. Terrible / Mt. Skene western approaches, southern areas below Woods Point inc. Jericho, Donnelly’s Creek and other gold-rush locations. TL Peter Landouris. Holey Plains State Park. Damian proposed a trip to Holey Plains State Park later in the year. Anyone interested in accompanying him on a pre-trip to Holey Plains please contact him directly. Strathfieldsaye Homestead (a heritage property adjacent Lake Wellington). Damian proposed a standing camp to be held at Strathfieldsaye, with trips to surrounding areas. The Holey Plains trip (above) could be an activity based from Strathfieldsaye. There is also an opportunity for community service work assisting with maintenance of the property. Social Trips needed during the period of track closure. Contact Tim with ideas / proposals. 7.4 Venue Presentation: Strathfieldsaye Homestead. Further speakers / topics invited from members. Door prize: Katie Mynard. 7.5 Membership At its June meeting, Committee had approved the membership of Nicholas and Deborah Leask, Peter Kakalias and Kylie Davies, Katie Mynard and Les Ralph. Welcome to these new members. Badges not yet available. A list of current members to be forwarded to FWDV on 26 June. 7.6 Treasurer Statement as per the magazine. Balance as at 25 June was $4,253, with $8,078 in the investment account, maturing in October. Sat phone account being set up as a monthly direct debit. 22
7.7 Secretary – Will be absent from the July General Meeting. 7.8 Vice-President – FWDV cancelled the Members Update Day scheduled for 21 June due to “massive lack of response”. 7.9 President – no report. 8. General Business 8.1 Peter Kakalias mentioned that he is renovating a family Jayco Finch pop-up camper trailer from the ‘70s, which is suffering from long disuse and wood rot, but basically still very strong and worth getting back on the road. 8.2 Mark re vehicle recalls: his daughter was notified 11 months ago that her 2013 Impreza required new valve springs; however due to limited availability of parts and the time necessary to do the work, it cannot be repaired until August 2020! 8.3 Trackwatch / FWDV levies – it was noted that Trackwatch magazine had been sent out during the week. [Any member not receiving their copy please contact Martin or the FWDV office.] Peter Mynard commented that FWDV seem to be able to rationalise their mailing of Trackwatch, so multiple copies do not go to people such as himself, who are members of more than one affiliated club. However, as others also noted, they do not provide a mechanism to eliminate duplicate payment of levies. 8.4 Peter Kakalias mentioned that he would be absent from the July and August General Meetings. 8.5 Fundraising – the Committee is looking for a member to volunteer to assist with the chocolates sales. Mark will provide an order form template. 8.6 Bash plates – new members were reminded that David Wilson can assist them with bash plates – see his advert in the magazine. 9. Fines and Fun 9.1 Nametags New members yet to receive nametags. 9.2 Last to Meeting Damian Stock. 9.3 Trips Wombat / Lerderderg – fines: Tim -– for clutch failure on his Landcruiser (despite having the original clutch for 41 years) and having to lead the trip from the passenger’s seat of another car. Martin – for retiring to his “luxury” teardrop camper trailer and watching DVDs. David – for turning up an hour and a half after the start time. 9.4 Total fines collected - $1.20. 10. Presentation: Strathfieldsaye Homestead Damian presented a slideshow of photos and a talk relating to the Strathfieldsaye Homestead, a heritage property from the 1840s on the shores of Lake Wellington, near Stratford in Gippsland. He mentioned that it was bequeathed to the University of Melbourne by the Disher family in the 1970s. Since 2003, it has been managed by the Australian Landscape Trust, which has limited resources to maintain it. There is only one permanent resident / caretaker on the property, a lady in her 70s. However, with the assistance recently of workers (including Damian’s wife Angela) and volunteers, progress has been made on restoring pathways, driveways and verges. 23
TRIP AND RECOVERY GEAR The aim of all Subaru 4WD Club of Victoria Inc. trips is to have an enjoyable experience in the bush, increasing 4WDing skills and experience, whilst maintaining the highest regard for the safety of individuals, the vehicle and the environment. As a driver you have ultimate responsibility for the safety of your passengers and vehicle. It is the responsibility of any participating driver to contact individual trip leaders for clarification of individual trip requirements and standards. Financial members are encouraged to participate in as many trips as possible to increase confidence and experience. Visitors are welcome subject to the payment of the appropriate levy to cover insurance, but after two visits, should consider membership. Non-financial members are not covered by insurance and may not participate until payment is received. Individual drivers with concerns or queries regarding their vehicle and the trip standard should contact relevant trip leaders. The Subaru 4WD Club of Victoria Inc. recommends that each vehicle carry the following items or equipment on every trip:
1.
Personal details form as specified by FWDV, copy to Trip Leader
2.
Two rated D- Shackles (minimum 3.2t)
3.
Rated snatch strap
4.
Recovery points, front & rear; plus, optional bridle strap, according to vehicle design;
5.
UHF (477Mhz) Channel 16 CB Radio. Ideally in car but hand held are ok provided sufficient battery(s) to last the trip.
1.
Fire extinguisher, accessible to the driver
2.
Spare tyre (full size)
3.
Jack and wheel brace, or equivalent
4.
Emergency supplies (matches, food, water and clothing)
5.
Sufficient fuel, oil and water for the trip and delays
6.
A tyre pressure gauge; compressor (according to the trip)
7.
An axe, bow or chain saw;
8.
A sturdy shovel (collapsible shovels are no good)
9.
Spare parts (appropriate to the nature of the trip)
10.
A tool kit
11.
Personal first aid kit
12.
Your vehicle manual
Any vehicle not carrying at least the first five (5) items of equipment should contact the individual Trip Leader before leaving. Any club member unsure about any of the items of equipment listed above are advised to contact the Trip and Social Coordinator or the Trip Leader concerned. All Trip Leaders carry a complete First Aid Kit in case of emergency. All non-emergency medical needs are expected to be meet by individuals own medical supplies.
24